Travis Head equals record for most centuries by an opener in Ashes series

Travis Head joins record books with joint-most centuries by an opener in Ashes series.

Australian opener Travis Head continued to torment England in the ongoing Ashes 2025–26, etching his name into the record books with another brilliant hundred on Day 3 of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Head brought up his maiden Test century at SCG and equalled the record for the most centuries by an opener in a single Ashes series.

This was Head’s third century of the series, following match-winning knocks in Perth and Adelaide. With this achievement, he joined an elite list of just 12 openers, including legends like Matthew Hayden, Alastair Cook, Michael Slater, and Jack Hobbs, who have consistently dominated at the top in Ashes history.

Resuming overnight on 91, Head reached his century early on Day 3 with a crisp boundary through the covers. The left-hander required 105 balls for his 12th Test hundred and added a vital 72-run partnership with nightwatchman Michael Neser for the third wicket, further pressing England.

England eventually struck their first breakthrough of the day when Brydon Carse induced an edge from Neser, safely caught by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. However, Head continued his onslaught, soon surpassing 150 runs off 152 balls.

During his innings, Head also completed 600 runs in the series, becoming only the ninth opener in Ashes history to reach this milestone and the first since Alastair Cook, who scored 766 runs in the 2010–11 Ashes.

Head’s marathon innings ended shortly after lunch when Jacob Bethell trapped him lbw on a missed sweep attempt. The on-field umpire initially gave him out, and although Head reviewed the decision, ball-tracking confirmed his dismissal.

He finished with a superb 163 off 166 balls, including 24 fours and a six, leaving Australia on 288/4, still trailing England by 104 runs in the first innings. Head received a standing ovation as he walked back to the pavilion, capping another stellar performance in a memorable series.